Sheet handling apparatus



Feb. 10, 1948. L. c. WILLIAMS 2,435,915

SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Ja'n. 6, `1942 '5 'sheets-sheet 1 |NvENToR LEO C. WILLIAMS AGENT Feb. l0, 1948. L, wlLLlAMS 2,435,915

SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 6, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENToR LEO C. WILLIAMS AGENT Feb. l0, 1948. 1 c. WILLIAMS 2,435,915

SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS INVENTOR LEO C. WILLIAMS AGENT Patented Feb. 10, 1948 SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS Leo C. Williams, earl River, N. Y., assignor to Dexter Folder Company, Pearl River, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application January 8, 1942, Serial No. 425.720 1': claims. (ci. 271-62) This invention relates to sheet handling apparatus and more particularly to lpile elevators therefor which are employed to support and elevate a pile of sheets into position for feeding of the sheets by hand or automatically one after another from the top of said pile. The invention also relates to pile deliveries which support and lower a pile of sheets delivered thereto from a machine.

One object of the present invention is to provide a pile elevator which is intermittently actuated by improved and simplied hydraulic mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pile elevator which is intermittently actuated by improved hydraulic mechanism and controlled electrically through movement of the pile and removal of sheets therefrom or delivery of sheets thereto. l

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved hydraulic mechanism for intermittently actuating ,a pile elevator and including a fluid supplying pump and a fluid controlling valve novelly constructed and arranged as a single unit to insure low manufacturing cost and foolproof operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved hydraulic mechanism for intermittently actuating a pile elevator and including a iluid controlling valve which, through novel association thereof with a fluid supplying pump, eliminates all uid by-.pass means heretoforev necessary to enable continued operation of said pump without corresponding movement of the pile elevator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved hydraulic mechanism for intermittently actuating a pile elevator, and which includes a continuously operated fluid supplying pump and an intermittently operated uid controlling valve disposed wholly within the fluid supply to insure that no air is drawn into the hydraulic system thereby, at the same'time eliminating packing and providing lubrication for said pump and said valve,

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved pile elevator control means wherein the operation thereof, to render the pile elevator actuating mechanism ineffective, is delayed by novel means for this purpose until the elevator and pile of sheets thereonis raised by said mechanism an amount sufiicient to enable feeding of a number of sheets from said pile before elevation thereof is again necessary, thereby eliminating` frequent operation of said control means.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a pile delivery which receives sheets from a machine or other mechanism and is intermittently lowered by improved hydraulic mechanism-and controlled electrically through delivery of sheets thereupon.

'Another object of the .present invention is to provide improved pile delivery control means wherein the operation thereof, to render the `pile' delivery actuating mechanism ineffective, is delayed by novel means for this purpose until the delivery and pile of sheets thereon is lowered by said mechanism an amount suilicient to enable delivery of a number of sheets upon said pile before vlowering thereof is again necessary, thereby eliminating' frequent operation of said control means.

These and other objects of the present invention will appear as the following description thereof proceeds and in order to more clearly understand said invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment thereof.

tuating mechanism, looking from the left of' Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of mechanism for manually controlling the lowering of the pile elevator; ,i

Fig. 6 is an enlarg d front elevation, partly in section, of a combined fluid reservoir, pump and control valve unit for the hydraulic pile elevator actuating mechanism; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view of the fluid pump and control valve housing shown in Fig. 6.

'I'he hydraulically actuated pile elevator as herein shown and hereinafter described is particularly adapted for supporting and elevating a -pile of scored and slotted corrugated or fiber coni tainer blanks to the feeding in level of a container stitching or taping machine, at which level said vblanks are hand folded and hand fed one after another to said stitching or taping machine for stitching or taping of the free ends or manufacturers seam thereof. It is to be expressly understood, however, that said hydraulically actuated pile elevator is, as well understood in the art, equally adaptable for use in connection with hand or automatic feeding of all kinds and weights of sheet material such as, paper, cardboard, metal, wood, etc.. to printing presses. coating and varnishlng machines, slitters, punch shown presses, butllng and cleaning machines, and vartous other instrumentalities acting on such sheets. The elevator or delivery is also adapted for receiving sheets thereupon and the control mechanism lowers the same intermittently as the pile of sheets increases in height to maintain the top thereof at a substantially constant level.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, the pile elevator and the hydraulically actuated operating mechanism therefor are mounted on -a frame comprised by a pair of transversely spaced L-shaped side members indicated broadly at 5 and each preferably in the form of a fiat steel plate having a vertically extending portion 6 and a horizontally extending portion 1 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3),. The side frame members 5 are supported on the'machine foundation as by brackets 8 bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto, and connected together by a channel cross beam 9 which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the upright portions 6 of said members near the lower ends thereof. The side frame members 5 are further connected together by a vertically vextending metal plate I that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the front sides of vertically extending channel members II which. in turn, are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to said side frame members on the inner sides thereof. Spaced rearwardly from the plate III, as by spacers I2. and bolted or otherwise suitably secured to said plate is another plate I3 against which the front side of a pile or supply of container blanks or other sheets I4 bears durin'g elevation of the same by mechanism to be hereinafter described.

The. pile of container blanks or other sheets I4 is supported on a pile elevator comprised by a pair of transversely spaced L-shaped side members indicated broadly at I5 (Figs. 2 and 3) and each preferably in the form of a flat steel plate having a vertically extending portion I8 and a horizontally extending portion I1. The elevator side members I5 are connected together at the front and rear thereof by transversely extending channel members I8 which are bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto. The channel members I3 have journalled therein rollers I9v on which the pile of container blanks or other sheets I4 may be freely moved into proper position on the elevator. Accordingly, the pile of container .blanks or other sheets I4 is preferably placed on a pile board 23 and the latter and pile are then run on the elevator from either side thereof when said elevator is lowered to loading position as hereinafter described. The elevator is guided for vertical movement by rollers 2| which are journalled in spaced relation on the elevator side members I5 and arranged to run in the channel members II.

The pile elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets I4 thereon are intermittently raised by hydraulically actuated mechanism to maintain the top of the pile at a proper feeding level. This mechanism is preferably mounted and constructed as follows. Connected with one of the elevator side members I5 as at 22 (Figs. 2 and 3) is one end of a cable 23 which extends upwardly and forwardly around a suitably grooved sheave 24 (Figs. 1 and 2). This sheave 24 is journalled on a pin 25 which is fixed in a block 26 and extends laterally therefrom through the adjacent channel member II and the upright portion 6 of the adjacent side frame member 5. 'I'he block 26 is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the upper end of an angle iron 21 which is spaced from the adjacent side frame member 5. 'as by a spacer 28, and bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the plate I0.

From the sheave 24 the cable 23 extends downwardly to the channel cross beam 9 at which point said cable passes under and around a suitably grooved sheave 29 through a suitable opening formed in said cross beam and into which the latter sheave projects (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). The sheave 29 is journalled on a pin 30 which is secured in any suitable manner in the channel cross beam 9. From the sheave 29-the cable 23 extends transversely beneath the channel cross beam 9 and above a horizontally arranged hydraulic cylinder 3l, and then passes around a suitably grooved sheave 32 and back to said cylinder to which the opposite free end of said cable is then anchored in any suitable manner. The hydraulic cylinder 3| is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the channel cross beam 9 on the underside thereof and is provided with a. hydraulically actuated piston rod or .ram 33 projecting outwardly through one end of sai'd cylinder. The sheave 32 is journalled as at 34 on a yoke 35 which is secured in any suitable manner on the outwardly projecting end of the piston rod or ram 33.

Connected with the other elevator side member I5 as at 36 (Fig. 3) is one end of a cable 31 which extends upwardly and forwardly around a suitably grooved sheave 33 (Fig. 1). This sheave 33 is journalled on a pin 39 which is fixed in a block 40 and extends laterally therefrom through the adjacent channel member II and the upright portion 6 of the adjacent side frame member 5. The block 40 is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the upper end of an angle iron 4I which is spaced from the adjacent side frame member 5, as by a spacer 42, and bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the plate I0. From the sheave 33 the cable 31 extends downwardly to the channel cross beam 9 at which point said cable passes under and around a suitably grooved sheave 43 (Figs. 1 and 3). This sheave 43 is joumalled on a pin 44' which is secured in any suitable manner in blocks 45 that are disposed. on opposite sides of said sheave and welded or otherwise suitably secured to the channel cross beam 9.

From the sheave 43 the cable 31 extends transversely along the upper side of the channel cross beam 9 and then passes over and around the .sheave 29 which is suitably grooved to also receive said cable. From the sheave 29 the cable 31 extends back over the hydraulic cylinder 3| and beneath the channel cross beam 9, and then passes around the sheave 32 and back again to said cylinder to which the free opposite end thereof is then anchored in any suitable manner, the sheave 32 being suitably grooved to also receive said cable. It will thus appear that when the piston rod or ram 33 is hydraulically advanced toward the right as viewed in Fig. 1, corresponding movement will be imparted to the yoke 35 and sheave 32, and those portions of the cables 23 and 31 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 3| around the sheave 32 and to the sheave 29 will be lengthened. This obviously shortens those portions of the cables 23 and 31 between the elevator side members I5 and the sheaves 24 and 33 resulting in raising of the elevator and pile I4 thereon. The piston rod or ram 33 is guided for right line movement by a pair of rods 46 (Figs. 1 and 2) which are slidably engaged by the yoke 35 and havev opposite .extremities thereof secured on the `hydraulic cylinder 3| and in a block 41 that is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the underside of the channel cross beam 9. It is to be understood that any suitable means other than a cable connection between the piston rod or ram 33 and the elevator is contemplated,

Delivery of fluid under pressure into the hydraulic cylinder 3| to intermittently advance the piston rod or ram 33 and thereby intermittently raise the elevator .and pile o'v container blanks or other sheets thereon is, in accordance with the present invention, effected and controlled by improved pump and valve means preferably mounted, constructed,arranged and operated as follows. Secured to the channel cross beam 9 through the medium of brackets 48 is a small platform 49 (Figs. l, 2 and 3) having welded or otherwise suitably secured thereto a receptacle or tank 5|) which is closed at the top thereof by a cover 5| bolted thereto. The receptacle or tank 50 is adapted to contain a supply of oil as indicated at 52 (Fig. 6) which is introduced therein through a suitable opening 5,3 formed in the cover 5| for this purpose. Connected withy the cover 5|, as by a fitting 54, and communicating with the interior of the receptacle or tank 50 through a suitable opening 55 formed in said cover is one end of a conduit 56 the opposite end of which is connected with the hydraulic cylinder 3| at the left hand end thereof as viewed in Fig. 1 to direct fluid under pressure into said cylinderrat said end as hereinafter described.

'I'hreaded in the opening 55 `in cover 5|, as-

by a fitting 51, and communicating with the conduit 56 is one end of a conduit 58 (Fig. 6) which is disposed wholly Within the fluid supply tank or receptacle 50. The opposite end of this conduit 58 is connected, as by a fitting 59, with the housing 60 of a combined fluid supplying pump and fluid controlling valve unit indicated broadly at 6| which, as herein shown, is also disposed within the tank 5|! and wholly submerged in the fluid 52 in said tank. The pump and valve unit 6| may be supported in various ways in the tank 50 but, as herein shown, said unit is preferably bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the lower end of a depending bracket 62 which is secured to or formed integrally with the cover 5|.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the housing 68 of the pump and valve unit 6| has formed therein at one side thereof a fluid inlet port 63 which opens outwardly into the fluid supply 52 and inwardly into a cylindrical bore '64 in said housing. Slidably mounted in the cylindrical bore 64 in housing 68 is a fluid controlling valve 65 provided with a reduced portion 66 for establishing communication at certain ihtervalsbetween the port 53 and a passage 61. VThis passage 61 is formed in the housing 68 preferably in -line with the port 63 and connected' with apassage 68 through a port 69. The passage 68 in housing 68 communicates with a chamber 10 formed by the lower end of a bushing 1| fixed in a cylindrical bore 12 in said housing, and the upper end of a plug 13 which is threaded in said bore, said communication being established through a suitable openi'rg 14 formedin the lower end of the bushing provide a trap for any impurities present in the fluid 52. Formed in the housing 60 and prefer- The plug 13 is counter-bored as at 15 to ably inline with the chamber 1li is a passage 15 having one end opening intosaid chamber and the opposite end closed by aplug 11. This passage 16 is connected with a fluid outlet port or passage 18 through a port. 19, the latter passage having threaded therein the fitting 59 of the conduit 58.

Fitted for reciprocation in the bore 88 of bushing 1| is a plunger pump 8| which projects upwardly through the housing 68 and is provided on the upper end thereof with an enlarged head portion 32. The plunger pump 8| is continuously reciprocated by mechanism preferably mounted, constructed and operated as follows.` Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the platform 49 is an electric motor 83 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) connected with a suitable source of current and controlled for starting and stopping purposes by suitable switch means (not shown). Fixed on the armature shaft 84 of electric motor 83 is a pulley 85 around which passes a belt 86 that also passes around and drives a pulley 81. This pulley 81 is xed on and drives a short crank shaft 88 (Fig. 6) which extends through a suitable opening 89 formed in the rear side of the fluid supply tank or receptacle 56, and is journalled in a suitable bearing in the depending bracket 62. Pivotally connected as at 98 with the crank shaft 88 is the upper end of a connecting rod 9|, the lower end of which is pivotally connected as at 92' with the head portion 82 of the plunger pump 8|. It will thus appear that the plunger pump 8| through the described driving connections therefor with the electric motor 83 will be operated continuously during the lifting of the elevator, and raised and lowered out of and into the chamber 10 during each revolution of the crank shaft 88.`

Under these conditions, and with the fluid controlling valve 55 raised to the full line position thereof shown in Fig. 7, the fluid 52 is intermittently drawn `from the tank or receptacle 50 through the port 63, the reduced portion 66 of the valve 65, the passage 61, the port 69, `the passage 68, the opening 14, and into the chamber 16. Fluid so drawn into the chamber 10 is then forced therefrom by the plunger pump 8| through the passage 18, the port 19, the passage 18, the conduits 58, 56, and into the left hand end of the hydraulic cylinder 3| (Fig. 1), resulting in step bystep movement of the piston rod or ram 33 toward the right and intermittent raising of the pile elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon. When the fluid controlling valve '65 is lowered to the dotted line position thereof shown in Fig. '1, said valve closes the fluid inlet' port 63, thus disconnecting the fluid supply 52 from the plunger pump 8| `so.r

that no fluid can be drawn by said pump `into the chamber 18 as described upon continuedY ac;- tion thereof. In this manner the plunger pump 8| is rendered ineffective to supply' iluid'jntorthe hydraulic cylinder 3| with the result that, no movement is imparted to the pileelevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon.

It will therefore be noted that through the novel arrangement of the fluid controlling valve between the fluid supply 52 and the plunger pump 6|, by-passing of' the fluid is unnecessary to enable continuous operation of said pump without imparting raising movement to the pile elevator and .pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon, thereby enabling the use of a fluid controlling valve much simpler in construction and requiring less power to operate. It will further be noted that arrangement and operation cause opening of said valve.

of the plunger pump," and the fluid controlling valveggl'in 'th'ewiluid supply 32 insures that no air is drawn into thehydraulic system, eliminates packing, and provides lubrication for said pump and said valve. g

To prevent return flow of fluid from the hydraulic cylinder 3| through the conduits 56 and 58 and consequently dropping ofthe elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon, the housing 90 has incorporated therein an upwardly opening check valve preferably in the form of a ball 93 (Fig. 7) which is adapted to drop and close the end of the port 19 opening into the passage 18 when no fluid under pressure is being forced through said port by the plunger pump 9|. The fluid previously admitted into the cylinder 3| to intermittently raise the pile elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon is then trapped therein, thus maintaining the elevator and pile in raised position. The ball check valve 93 is retained in a valve cage 94 which is threaded in a suitable opening in the housing and provided with a plurality of fluid passages or ports 95. It is clear that the check valve 93 may be incorporated in the fitting 59 as desired.

To prevent return flow of fluid from the chamber 10, the housing 60 has incorporated therein an upwardly opening check valve preferably in the form of a ball 96 which is adapted to drop and close the end of the port 69 opening into the passage 69 on the pressure stroke of the plunger pump 8|. The ball check valve 96 is retained in a valve cage 91 which is threaded in a suitable opening in the housing 60 and provided with a plurality of fluid passages cr ports 90.

In order to' guard against overloading 0f the pile elevator which would result in breaking of the cables 23, 31 and damage to said elevator and the hydraulic mechanism, the vhousing 80 has formed therein a relief port 99 (Fig. '1) having one end opening into the passage 10 and the opposite end opening into a passage |00 also formed in said housing. This passage |00 opens into the fluid supply 52 through a port |0| formed in an adjusting screw |02 threaded in said passage.y The relief port 99 is normally closed by a downwardly opening pressure relief valve disposed within the passage |00 and preferably in the form of a ball |03 which is held against the port 99 by a compression spring |04 interposed between said ball and the adjusting screw |02. The tension of the spring |04 on the ball relief valve |03 is so regulated by the adjusting screw |02 that the fluid pressure required to effect elevation of the maximum loadcapable of being handled on the elevator is not suillcient to Should, however, the fluid pressure exceed a predetermined amount due to overloading of the pile elevator or for any otherreasom, the relief valve |03 is caused t0 openuand permit the fluid to flow from the pas- ,sage 16 back into the fluid supply 52 through the relief port 99, the passage |00 and the port |0|,

thuspreventing actuation of the piston rod or ram V33 and raising of the pile elevator and Pile .of container blanks or other sheets thereon. It is clear that the relief valve described may be connected with the fluid outlet 10 or ntting I9 as desired.

It will be noted that arrangement of the fluid controlling valve 85, the plunger pump 8|, the fluid check valves 93 and 98, and the safety pressure relief valve |03 in the housing A90 as a single height of the pile of container blanks or othery sheets on the elevator. The contacts of the switch are normally open until a sufficient number of sheets have been fed from the top of the pile, whereupon the switch closes under the control of the pile to actuate the electrical means, thereby raising the fluid controlling valve and rendering the plunger pump 8| effective to supply fluid under pressure into the hydraulic cylinder 3| to intermittently raise the elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon. Upon raising of the elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon, the switch is again opened by the pile and opening of the switch controls the lowering of the fluid controlling valve 65 to render the plunger pump 9| ineffective to further raise the elevator and pile thereon. Said electrically actuated means and pile controlled switch means are preferably mounted, constructed and operated as follows.

Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the cover 5| of the fluid supply tank or receptacle 5l is a bracket |05 (Fig. 6) to which is bolted or. otherwise suitably secured a solenoid |06 having a core |01.v Pivotaily connected as at |09 with the lower end of the core |91 of solenoid |06 is the upper end of a rod |09 which extends downwardly into the tank or receptacle 50 through a suitable opening formed for this purpose in the cover 5| and has its lower end pivotally connected as at Ii 0 with 'the upper end of the fluid controlling valve 65.

Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the angle iron 21 near the top thereof and projecting inwardly therefromis a bar (Figs. 1 and 4). Engaged over and slidable along the bar is a block ||2 which is held against displacement from said bar by a plate ||3 that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured on the upper side of said block. The block ||2 and parts carried thereby hereinafter -descrlbed may be adjusted along the bar in accordance with variations in width of the container blanks or other sheets being handled on the elevator and may be secured in any desired position of adjustment by a thumb screw l Il or the like.

Secured in any suitable manner t0 the under-l side of the block ||2 is a plate I5 having a downwardly bent side portion IIS. Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the plate ||5 is a switch box ||1 provided therein with a pair of spaced stationary contact members ||0 and a movable contact member 9 (Fig. 4) which bridges or closesA the circuit between the pair of spaced members H9. The movable contact member 9 is carried by a pin |20 which is journalled in the switch boxj||1 and projects outwardly therefrom and through asuitable opening formed in the side portion ||0 of the plate H5. Secured inany suitable manner to the outwardly projectlng end of the pin 20 is a small contact actuating arm |2|. The contacts ||I and ||9 are normally held openbya light Dull spring |22 having one end connected with the arm |2| and the opposite end connected with a strip |23 projecting laterally from the switch box ||1 and bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the underside thereof.

Pivotally mounted as at |24 to swing in a vertical plane on the side portion ||6 of the plate is a lever |25 having a forwardly extending short arm |26 adapted to engage the arm |2|, and a rearwardly extending long arm |21 (Fig. 4). Pivotally mounted as at |28 to swing in av horizontal plane on the free end of the arm |21 is an arm |29 having welded or otherwise suitably secured thereto a feeler |30 which extends rearwardly and downwardly and also inwardly at an angle into engagement with the top of the pile of container blanks or other sheets |4 at one side and front thereof. The feeler |30 is heldin its original angular pile engaging position by alight pull spring |3| having opposite extremities thereof connected with the arms |26 and |29, respectively, said angular position being determined by a depending lug |32 formed on the free end of the arm |29 at one side thereof and engaging the engagement with the arm |2| will swing the latter clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4, thereby lowering the contact member ||3 and closing the switch ||1, thus completing the electric circuit for the solenoid 06. The solenoid |03 is then energized and draws the core |01 upwardly, thereby raising the fluid controlling valve 65 to the full line position thereof shown in Figl. Under these conditions the fluid inlet port 63 is opened, and upon continued reciprocation of the plunger pump Il fluid is drawn from the supply 52A and delivered under pressure into the hydraulic cylinder 3| as hereinbefore described, thus raising theelevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon.

.As the pile thus raises, the feeler |30 engaged with the top of the pile also raises and swings the arm |26 downwardly, thereupon the spring |22 operates to raise the contact member ||9 and again open the switch I1. Opening of the switch ||1 deenergizes the solenoid |064 whereupon the fluid controlling valve.65 drops such as by Agravity to the dotted line positoin thereof shown in side of arm |21. It will thus appear that when handling container blanks. upon hand foldingA of opposite side portions of the topmost blank inwardly toward each other on the pile, prior to feeding of said blank into the stitching or taping machine, the feeler |30 will yield inwardly and Vupwardly in horizontal and vertical directions due to the described pivotal arrangement thereof, thus preventing no interference in the folding operation.

It will be understood that the switch ||1 and actuating means therefor including the feeler |30 may be arranged in a well known manner to operate on the rear of the pile |4 instead of on the front of said pile as herein shown,v and that the feeler |30 may be operated at predetermined intervals in a well known manner into and out of engagement with the top of the pile I4. It will also be understood that the horizontal swinging movement of the feeler |30 and the inward angular position of said feeler may be eliminated when the pile elevator is employed in connection with hand or automatic feeding of container blanks or other sheets that are not folded prior to feeding of the same, in which event the feeler |30 may be secured to or formed integrally with the arm |21.

The solenoid |06 and one of the stationary :contact members ||8 have connectedtherewith lead wires |33 and |34, respectively, which are connected with a suitable source of electric current (Fig. 2). The other stationary contact member ||8 and the solenoid |06 arelconnected together by a wire |35 so that when the contact member I9 is lowered into engagement with both of the spaced stationary contact members I8 the electric circuit for the solenoid |06 will be completed.

Assuming now that the top of the pile |4 is disposed at the normal feeding level at which time the switch ||1 is open, and the fluid controlling valve 65 is in its lowered dotted line position shown in Fig. 7 closing the fluid inlet port 63. Under these conditions the plunger pump 8| reciprocates without pumping fluid as hereinbefore described and no upwardmovement is imparted to the elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon. As the container blanks or other sheets are fed one after another from the top of the pile,

however. the feeler |30 will lower by gravity so Fig. '1, thus again closing the fluid inlet port 03 and rendering the plunger pump 8| ineffective as herelnbefore described to further raise the elevator and pile of container blanks1or other sheets thereon.

Lowering of the fluid controlling valve 65 as aforesaid to stop further raising of the elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon is, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, delayed or retarded so that, upon opening of the switch ||1, raising of the elevator will not be directly stopped but,'on the contrary, will continue to raise the pile an amount sufficient to enable feeding of a number of blanks or sheets from the top thereof before raising of the elevator and said pile is again necessary. In this manner the pile is raised to the normal feeding range upon a single operation of the switch ||1, whereas the switch would otherwise operate for each sheet particularly if they are relatively thick, thus eliminating frequent operations of s'aid switch, preventing excessive Wear of the same and frequent repairs or replacements thereto.

The feeler |30 and its associated devices switch ||1, solenoid |06, and fluid controlling valve 65 constitute supply control means and various ways and means may be employed in connection with any part thereof to delay or retard the operation of the same whereby delay in the lowering movement of the fluid controlling valve 65 is effected. Preferably, such 4delaying means is associated with the fluid controlling valve 65 and preferably too is effected by fluid means which may be constructed and arranged as follows. Formed in the housing 60 at the side thereof having the fluid inlet port 63 and spaced from said port is a restricted port |36 (Fig. 7') having one end opening into the fluid supply 52 and the opposite end opening into the bore 64. 'I'he bore 64 is closed at the lower end thereof by a plug |31 having an open ended port |38 therein communicating with the fluid supply 52 and with said bore. The port |30 is normally closed by an upwardly opening check valve preferably in the form of a ball |39. The lower end of the fluid controlling valve 65 is countersunk as at |40 to receive the ball v|39 when said valve is lowered.

It will thus `appear that when the fluid controlling valve 65 is raised to effect raising of the elevator and pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon as hereinbefore described, said raising of said. valve creates vacuum in the lower end of the bore 34 whereupon the ball check valve |39 is raised by the fluid pressure on the underside thereof, thus permitting the fluid 52 to flow into said bore through the port |30. When the switch ||1 is opened as hereinbefore described.

and the fluid controlling valve 35 begins to drop the dotted line position thereof shown in Fig, '7,

thus materially retarding or delaying the lowering movement of the fluid controlling valve 65.

When the pile of container blanks or otherv sheets is exhausted through intermittent raising of the elevator and feeding of said blanks o r sheets one after another therefrom, the elevator may be quickly lowered to the machine foundation to receive a new pile of blanks or other sheets. As herein shown, this rapid lowering of the elevator is preferably eiIected asl follows. Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the channel members on the tops thereof are-b1ocks I 4| (Figs. 1, 2 and 5) in which is journalled opposite extremities of a transversely extending rock shaft |42 having ilxed thereon a handle |43. Fixed on one end of the rock shaft |42 is an arm |44 having pivotally connectedv therewith as at |45 the upper end of a rod |46 the lower end of which is pivotally connected as at |41A with an arm |48. This arm |48 is xed on a transversely extending rock shaft |49 having one end thereof extending through a suitable opening formed in one of the'side frame members 5 and journalled in a. suitable bearing in a bracket |50 that is bolted 'or otherwise suitably secured to said side frame member.

The opposite end of the shaft |48 is connected,

as by a universal coupling |5| (Fig. 1), with the is carried in a bracket |54 that is secured to or formed integrally with the hydraulic cylinder 3|. Connected with one side of the globe valve |53 is one end of a conduit |55 the opposite end of which is connected with the hydraulic cylinder 3| at the same end thereof in which is connected the conduit 56. Connected with the opposite side of the globe valve |53 is one `end of a conduit |58 the opposite end of which is connected with the fluid supply tank or receptacle 50 at the lower end thereof. Rocking movement of shaft |49 in opposite directions to open and close the globe valve |53 is limited by stop screws |51 and |58 which are adjustably threaded in the adjacent bracket 8 and the bracket |50, respectively, and adapted to be engaged by the arm 48.

While the container blanks or other sheets are fed from the topof the pile and intermittent raising of the elevator and said pile is effected by the plunger pump 8|, the handle |43 is disposed in the raised position thereof shown in Fig. 5, and the arm |48 is disposed in engagement with the stop screw |51. Under these conditions the globe valve |53 is closed so that the fluid forced into the hydraulic cylinder 3| by the plunger pump 8| will be effective to raise the elevator and pile of container blanks or other -sheets thereon as hereinbefore described. When the pile of container` blanks or other sheets is exhausted, however, the elevator may/be quickly lowered to the machine foundation by moving the l2 handle |43 downwardly (Fig. 5) until the arm |43 through the described connections therefor with said handle is raisedinto engagement with the stop screw |58, thus rocking the shaft |48 and opening the globe valve |53. Opening of the globe f valve |53 releases the fluid in the left hand end (Fig. 1) of the hydraulic cylinder 3|, whereupon the' elevator due to its own weight, drops by gravity to the machine foundation, assisted. if neces-v sary, by pressure applied manually on said elevator. As the elevator thus drops by gravity to the machine foundation, the fluldin the hydraulic cylinder 3| is forced therefrom and into the tank v or receptacle 50 through the conduit |55, the

opened globe valve |53, and the conduit |58.

The elevator having been lowered to the ma. chine foundation is then loaded with a new pile of container blanks or other sheets positioned thereon in theA usual manner from either side thereof. It might be mentioned at this time that when the elevator is rapidly lowered to themachine foundation as aforesaid, the plunger pump 8| through lowering of the feeler |30, closing of the switch ||1 and raising of the fluid controlling valve thereby, will supply fluid into the hydraulic cylinder 3|, said fluid, however, upon entering the hydraulic cylinder 3| will ilow out again and back into the tank or receptacle 53 through the conduit |55, the opened globe valve |53 and the conduit |53, thus preventing raising of the elevator while a new pile of container blanks or other sheets is being loaded thereon. It will be understood that when the elevator is lowered to the machine foundation for loading or reloading purposes the plunger pump 0| may be stopped by stopping the electric' motor 83 in the usual manner.

The new pile of container blanks or other sheets having been properly positioned on the elevator, the latter and the pile are then raised until the top of said pile is brought into proper position for feeding of the blanks or other sheets one after another therefrom. For this purpose the handle |43 is again raised to its normal position (Fig, 5) to lower the rod |46 and the arm |48 until the latter engages the stop screw |51. Lowering of the arm |48 as aforesaid. rocks the shaft |48 clockwise vas viewed in Fig. 5, thus again closing the globe valve |53. Thereupon the fluid forced into the hydraulic cylinder 3| by the plunger pump 8| acts as hereinbefore described to intermittently advance the piston rod or ram 33 and raise the elevator and the new pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon until the top of said pile reaches the normal level for feeding of the blanks or sheets one after another therefrom.

As the new pile thus raises, the top of said pile engages and raises the feeler |30, thereby opening the switch ||1. The fluid controlling valve 35 then drops slowly by gravity as hereinbefore described, during which time raising of the elevator and pile continues until the top of the pile reaches the normal feeding level, 'whereupon the fluid inlet port 53 is again closed by said valve and the elevator is stopped. Feeding of the container blanks or other sheets one after another from the top of the new pile may now be resumed and continued through intermittent raising of the elevator and pile controlled by the feeler |30. The folded container blanks are fed one after another into the stitching or taping machine over an upwardly and forwardly extending plate |53 which forms part of said machine.

It will be apparent that should the switch ||1, for any reason. fail to render the plunger pump before described.

pose. A suitable valve andere 13. I ineifective through the described means forV this purpose when the pile of container blanks or other sheets is completely exhausted, the hydraulic mechanism, if allowed to continue inoperation, would raise the elevator beyond the normal feeding level and cause damage to the switch I|1 and component par-ts thereof, and also possible damage to the hydraulic mechanism. Means is, therefore, provided independent of the switch I I1 to stop the elevator vwhen said elevator reaches a predetermined elevated position. Saidmeans stops the plunger pump 3|, and, 'as herein shown,

is preferably comprised by 1 a lnormally closed switch |80 (lilg. i) which is arranged in a weli known manner in the electric circuit for the electric motor 33. 'Ihis switch I" is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to one of the channel members near the top thereof and is provided with an actuating arm |3| that extends into the path of upward movement of one of the elevator side members I5 (Fig. 2). The switch |00 is so located on the channel member I |v that the arm IBI thereof will be engaged by the elevator side member I5 before the elevator is raised an amount sufficient to cause damage to the switch I|1 and possible damag'e to the hydraulic mechanism.

It will thus appear that should the switch ||1, for 'any reason, fail to render the plunger pump this purpose, the elevator upon continued upward movement thereof will engage and raise the arm IBI of switch |00 and thus open said switch.

Opening-of the switch breaks the circuit to the electric motor 03, thus stopping said motor and further operation of the plunger pump II thereby. Stopping of the plunger pump 3| vthrows the hydraulic mechanism out of operation and prevents .further raising of the elevator.4 When the elevator is vrapidly lowered Vas hereinbefore described to reload it with a pile of container blanks or other sheets, the arm IB-I of switch |60 returns to its original position and closes said switch, thus again starting the motor `83 to enable raising of the elevator and new pile of container blanks or other sheets thereon as herein- It will be noted that the cover 5| for the tank or receptacle supports the pump and valve unit 0|, the pump operating mechanism, the check and relief valves 03, 90, |03, the solenoid |06, and the conduits 56 and 50, all of which may be bench assembled, thus reducing elevator erecting time.

The mechanism described hereinbefore can also be utilized as an intermittently operated pile delivery mechanism. This is accomplished by reversing the direction of intermittent operation of the, elevator by the mechanism and in the 0I ineffective through the described means vfor endofthis conduit |10 is connected, as by a iitting lli, with the pump and valve housing 8l and communicates with the passage $1 in said housing throughy a port |12 (Fig. 7).

The elevator is raised to its upper position by the plunger pump II .and since the latter is not needed ln the lowering operation of: the elevator it is not necessary to drive the same and it .may be stopped by shutting of! themotor 33. y With the elevator ready to receive sheets thereon, the valve is opened to begin the downward operation. Sheets are delivered from the left-hand side of Figure 2 along the plate |50 and delivered onto the pile beneath the feeler |30. As the sheets pile up thereon the feeler |30 is raised until the switch contacts III and |13 (Fig. 4) are closed. The swltch'contacts |13 are like the conltacts ||3 and close the circuit in the same way to 'energize the solenoid Ill.` Energization of the solenoid |00 raises the iiuid controlling valve 86 and opens the conduits |05 and |10 to the fluid supply 5.2, whereupon fluid flows out of the lefthand end (Fig. 1) of the cylinder 3| under the pressure exerted bythe weight of the elevator and the latter is lowered. 4As the elevator lowers, the feelerl |30 is lowered, which in turn drops the switch contact IIS to break its engagement with the contacts |13,whereupon the solenoid |03 is deenergized. Thefluid controlling valve 05 then slowly drops by gravity, but its downward move ment is delayed by the fluid trapped in the chamber therebelow. I As the fluid slowly leaks out throughthe restricted port |33 the fluid controiling valve drops to close the connection between the conduits |05, |10, the passage 81 and the port 63 to the uld supply 52, whereupon fluid can no longer escape from the left-hand end (Fig. 1) of the cylinder 3| 'and the elevator thereupon stops until another series of sheets is delivered to the elevator and again raises the feeler |30 and the above described operation is repeated. It-is `clear that a suitable switch may be used if desired to disconnect one of the set of contacts ||8 or |13 and connect the other set into the circuit in yorder to avoid any possibility o! closing the circuit to the solenoid |06 through manner now to be described'. Connected with the left hand end (Fig. 1) o! the hydraulic cylinder 3| is one end of a conduit |00 the opposite end of which is connected, as by a fittingY |66, withthe cover 5| of the tank or receptacle il (Fig, 6). The conduit I" communicateswith the interior of the tank or receptacle Il through a suitable opening |31 formed in the cover 5| for t pur- |00 (Figi) is connected in the conduit |35 which may be opened for kfluid ilow therethrough for operation of the elevator as a pile delivery. Preferably the valve |00 yis associated with a needle valve which controls the speed of flow therethrough. Threaded in the opening. |1 in cover Il. as llayy a fitting |00, and communicatingwith the conduit Illia one end of a conduit |10 (Fig. 6) which is disposed wholly within' the tank or receptacle Il. The opposite the contacts not intended to `operate.

The present description and itsaccompanying drawings set forth with more or less particularity one embodiment of the present invention, but

it is to be-expressly understood that said invention is not limited to said embodiment or otherwise than by the terms of the appendedclaims. `what I claim is: Y

1. The combination with hydraulically acftuatedk means for intermittently imparting vertical movement to a pile of sheets, means engaged with the pile having a first position for operation of said hydraulically actuated means and a second position for discontinuingsaid operation, andmeans controlled bythe pile engaging means andjmovable in one direction to render the hy- -draulicallyactuated `means effective and in the opposite direction to render said hydraulically actuated means, ineffective; of means associated with said last named means for-delaying the.

movement thereof in said opposite direction after the pile engaging means has moved to its second position.

2. The combinationwith hydraulically ac-tuated'means for intermittently imparting vertical movement to a. pile of sheets, a feeler engaged with the pile having a first position for operation of said hydraulically actuated means and a second position for discontinuing said operation. and

an element controlled by the feeler and movable in one direction to provide for operation of the hydraulically actuatedmeans and in -the opposite direction to discontinueoperation of said hydraulically actuated means; of iiuid means as-r sociated with said element for delaying the movementthereof in said opposite direction after the feeler has moved to its second position.

3. The combination with hydraulically actuated means for internuttently'imparting vertical movement to a pile of sheets, means engaged with the pile having a firstl position for operation of said hydraulically actuated means and a second position for discontinuing said operation, and valve means controlled by the pile engaging means and movable in one direction to provide ioroperation of the hydraulically actuated means and in the opposite direction to discontinue operation of said hydraulically actuated means; of means for delaying the movement of said valve means in said opposite direction after the pile engaging means has moved to its second position.

4. The combination with hydraulically actuated means for intermittently imparting vertical movement to a pile of sheets, and a. feeler engaged withthe pile having a first position for operation of said hydraulically actuated means and a second position for discontinuing said operation; of a valve controlled by the feeler and power operated in one direction to provide for operation of the hydraulically actuated means and gravity operated in the opposite directionto discontinue operation of said hydraulically actuated means; and fluid means associated with said valve for delaying the movement thereof in said opposite direction-after the feeler has moved to its second position.

5. The combination ywith means toraise an elevator, hydraulic means for intermittently imparting downward movement to said elevator and a pile of sheets thereon, and a feeler engaged with the pile having a. rst position for operation of said hydraulic means and a second position for discontinuing said operation; of a valve; power means controlled by said feeler and .operating the valve in one direction to provide for operation of the hydraulic means and operated in the opposite direction to discontinue operation of' said hydraulic means; and fluid means associated with said valve for delaying the movement thereof in said opposite direction after the feeler has moved to its second position. i

6. The combination with means for intermittently raising a pile of sheets into position for handling of said sheets one after another; of means for controlling the operation of said pile raising means and including a feeler continuously engaged with the top of the pile and mounted for movement in vertical and horizontal planes by manipulation of the sheet to enable handling of each sheet `without interference thereby.

7. The combination with means for intermittently raising a. pile of sheets into position for handling of said 'sheets one after another, and control means for controlling the operation of electric switch means for controlling the operation of said pile raising means;l of a feeler connected with the switch means *and continuously engaged with the top of the Dile for controlling the operation. of said switch means; and means pivotally mounting the feeler for swinging movement in vertical and horizontal planes by manipulation of the sheet to enable handling of each sheet without interference thereby.

9. In mechanism for hydraulically imparting intermittent upward movement to a pile of sheets: the combination of a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of fluid; a housing in said receptacle mounted below the top. of the receptacle so as to be wholly submerged in the iiuid therein; a huid inlet port and fluid outlet port in said housing: a continuously reciprocating plunger pump in the housing: a slide valve interposed between the pump and the source of motivefiuid and movable to connect said source with and disconnect the same from said pump; mechanism including a solenoid connected with said valve for moving the latter to connect the source of motivefluid with the pump; a normally open switch connected with the solenoid; and a feeler engaged with the pile and operable through said pile raising means; of a feeler continuously engaged with the top of the pile for controlling the operation of said control means: and means pivotally mounting the feeler for swinging movement in vertical'and horizontal planes by manipulation of the sheet to enable handling of each sheet without interference thereby.

8. The combination kwith means ,for intermittently raising a pile of sheets into position for handling of said sheets one after another. and

removal of sheets therefrom for closing said switch and energizing the solenoid to eiect movement of the valve and thereby connect the source of motive fluid with the pump; and a check valve between the plunger pump and source of fluid k supply in said receptacle.

10. In hydraulic mechanism for intermittently imparting upward movement to a pile of sheets including a cylinder, of means for supplying and controlling the delivery of fluid into said cylinder and comprising a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of iiuid; a cover for said receptacle a housing carried by said cover and wholly submerged in the fluid in the receptacle; a. plunger pump in the housing for supplying' fluid from said fluid supply through said housing and into the cylinder; driven means on the cover for continuously reciprocating said plunger pump; a valve in the housing and movable in opposite directions to control the delivery of fluid into the cylinder by the pump; and pile controlled means on the cover controlling the operation of said valve.

11. A pump and valve assembly for supplying and controlling the delivery of fluid to a cylinder having hydraulically actuated means therein for intermittently imparting upward vmovement to a pile of sheets and comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of fluid; a housing in said receptacle and wholly submerged in the fluid therein, said housing having a fluid inlet port and a uid outlet port; aplunger pump in the housing and continuously reciprocated to draw iiuid from said fluid supply into said housing through the inlet port and. -force said fluid therefrom through the outlet port into the cylinder; a pile controlled valve arranged in the housing -between the plunger pump and the iluid inlet portl and controlling the delivery of fluid to a cylinder having hydraulically actuated means therein for intermittently imparting upward movement to a pile of sheets and comprising: a receptacle adapted to. contain a supply of fluid; a. housing in said receptacle and wholly submerged in the iluid therein. said housing having a fluid inlet port and a uid outlet port; a plunger in the housing and continuously reciprocated to draw fluid from said fluid supply into said housing through the inlet port and force said fluid therefrom through the outlet port into the cylinder; a pile controlled valve arranged in the housing between the plunger pump and the uid inlet port and reciprocal to connect the latter with and disconnect the same from said pump, whereby delivery of fluid into the cylinder by the pump is controlled; and check valves arranged in the housing between the pile controlled valve and the plunger pump and between the latter and the iluid outlet port for preventing return ilow of fluid from said housing and the cylinder, respectively.

13. A pump and valve assembly for supplying and controlling the delivery of fluid to a cylinder having hydraulically actuated means therein for intermittently imparting upward movement to a pile of sheets and comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of fluid; a housing in said receptacle and wholly submerged in the fluid therein, said housing having a, iluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; a plunger pump in the housing and continuously reciprocated to draw iluid from said fluid supply into said housing through the inlet port and force said fluid therefrom through the outlet port into the cylinder; a pile controlled valve arranged inthe housing between the plunger pump and the fluid inlet port and reciprocal to connect the latter with and disconnect the same from said pump, whereby delivery of fluid into the cylinder by the pump is controlled; check valves arranged in the housing between the pile controlled valve and the plunger pump and between the latter and the iluid outlet port for preventing return flow of fluid from said housing and the cylinder respectively; and a pressure relief valve arranged in the housing between the plunger pump and the iluid outlet port and adapted to automatically open when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined amount.

14. A pump and valve assembly for supplying and controlling the delivery of fluid to a cylinder having hydraulically actuated means therein for intermittently imparting upward movement to a pile of sheets and comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of fluid; a continuously reciprocating plunger pump in said receptacle 'and submerged in the fluid therein for supplying said `fluid into the cylinder; a pile controlled piston valve in the receptacle and submerged in the fluid therein for controlling the delivery of said iluid into .the cylinder by said pump; and a fluid chamber below the valve to delay the movement thereof in one direction.

15. A pump and valve assembly for supplying and controlling the delivery of fluid to a cylinder having hydraulically actuated means therein for intermittently imparting upward movement to a pile of sheets and comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a supply of fluid; a housing in said receptacle and wholly submerged in the fluid ing and continuously reciprocated to draw fluid from said fluid supply into said housingv through the inlet port and force said fluid therefrom through the outlet port into the cylinder; a pile controlled piston valve arranged in the housing between the plunger pump and the fluid inlet port and operated in one direction to connect said fluid inlet port with said pump and operated in the opposite direction to disconnect the fluid inlet port from the pump; and fluid means arranged in the housing and below said valve to delay the movement thereof in said opposite direction.

16. In mechanism for hydraulically imparting intermittent upward movement to a pile of sheets; the combination of a lhydraulic cylinder and pistonmeans; a continuously operating fluid pump means connected therewith; a source of motive fluid; valve means interposed between said pump means and said source of motive fluid and movable to connect-the latter with and ldisconnect the same from'the pump means; pile engaged means controlling the operation of said valve means; and means to continue a connection between the pump and thesource of motive fluid for a short period after the pile engaging means has operated.

17. In mechanism for hydraulically imparting intermittent upward movement to a pile of sheets; the combination of an hydraulic cylinder and piston means; a continuously operating fluid pump means; a, source of motive fluid; valve means interposed between said pump means and said source of motive fluid and movable to connect the latter with. and disconnect the same from thepump means; pile engaged means controlling-the operation of said valve means; and means to retain the valve means in open position for a short period after the pile engaging means has operated to close the valve means.

LEO C. WILLIAMS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Jan. 31, 1939 

